Isesaki Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit, the must-try dishes, local customs, and everything else you need to know to plan your trip to Isesaki, Japan.


Discover Isesaki: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Isesaki is a city located in the southern part of Gunma. It is known for its traditional crafts, lively festivals, and scenic views. This travel guide will give you an overview of everything you need to know about Isesaki, from the best places to visit to the must-try dishes.

List of Places to Visit in Isesaki

Isesaki is a wonderful place to explore, with many attractions for both culture and nature lovers.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Isesaki City Local Museum: This museum houses a collection of historical artifacts and exhibits about the city’s traditional crafts, including silk weaving and pottery.
  • Kokusaiji Temple: This ancient temple was built in the 9th century and is one of the oldest temples in the region.
  • Ishii Teiichi Memorial Museum: This museum commemorates the life and work of Ishii Teiichi, a famous Japanese painter born in Isesaki.

Natural Attractions of Isesaki: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mt. Akagi: This mountain is a popular hiking destination, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Kusatsu Hot Springs: This historical hot spring resort is located on the western foot of Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane, and is known for its therapeutic waters.
  • Lake Haruna: This scenic lake is located at the foot of Mt. Haruna, and is a great spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Isesaki

Isesaki is surrounded by beautiful nature and there are many hiking and biking trails to explore. Some popular routes include:

  • Akagi Route: This route takes hikers to the summit of Mt. Akagi, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  • Haruna Route: This scenic route takes hikers through the forest near Mt. Haruna and offers breathtaking views of the lake.

Best Things to Do in Isesaki: Activities and Tours

Isesaki offers a wide range of activities and tours for travelers of all interests. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Take part in a local festival: Isesaki is known for its lively festivals, including the Isesaki Nitta Festival, which takes place every September and features traditional music, dance, and food.
  • Visit a traditional craft workshop: Isesaki is known for its traditional crafts, including silk weaving, pottery, and woodworking. Visitors can tour local workshops and learn about the craft-making process.
  • Try local dishes: Isesaki is known for its delicious local dishes, including soba noodles, stuffed cabbage rolls, and grilled eel. Be sure to try them out!

Week-Long Itinerary for Isesaki

If you’re planning to spend a week in Isesaki, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Visit Kokusaiji Temple and the Ishii Teiichi Memorial Museum.

Day 2: Take a hike to the summit of Mt. Akagi.

Day 3: Visit the Isesaki City Local Museum and tour a traditional craft workshop.

Day 4: Relax at Kusatsu Hot Springs.

Day 5: Explore Lake Haruna and the surrounding area.

Day 6: Participate in a local festival.

Day 7: Try local dishes and buy souvenirs to bring back home.

Food and Drink Scene of Isesaki

Isesaki is known for its delicious local dishes and traditional drinks.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Soba noodles: Isesaki is famous for its soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat flour and served cold with a dipping sauce.
  • Stuffed cabbage rolls: These savory rolls are made with ground pork and rice, and are cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
  • Grilled eel: Isesaki is known for its high-quality eel, which is grilled to perfection and served with rice.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Isesaki is home to several local breweries, where visitors can try traditional sake.
  • Shochu: This distilled liquor is made from sweet potatoes and is a popular drink in Isesaki.

Where to Stay in Isesaki: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several options for accommodations in Isesaki, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

  • Kyukamura Harunako: This budget-friendly guesthouse is located near Lake Haruna and offers private rooms and basic amenities.
  • Guesthouse Kichijitsu: This guesthouse is located in the heart of Isesaki and offers private rooms and dormitories.

Mid-Range Accommodations

  • Route-Inn Isesaki Inter: This mid-range hotel is located next to the Isesaki Interchange and offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location.
  • Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki: This modern hotel is located in nearby Takasaki and offers easy access to Isesaki and its attractions.

Luxury Accommodations

  • Kusatsu Onsen Hotel Resort: This luxury hotel is located in nearby Kusatsu and offers hot spring baths, upscale dining, and beautiful views.
  • The Prince Villa Karuizawa: This upscale hotel is located in nearby Karuizawa and offers luxurious rooms, fine dining, and scenic views.

What to Buy in Isesaki: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Isesaki is known for its traditional crafts, including silk weaving, pottery, and woodworking. Visitors can buy locally-made souvenirs and products to bring back home.

Souvenirs

  • Silk products: Isesaki is known for its silk weaving, and visitors can buy locally-made silk products such as scarves, fabrics, and bags.
  • Pottery: Isesaki is home to several pottery workshops, where visitors can buy locally-made ceramics and dishes.
  • Wooden products: Isesaki is also known for its woodworking, and visitors can buy locally-made wooden crafts and furniture.

Local Culture and Customs of Isesaki

Isesaki is deeply rooted in its traditional culture and customs. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, and be aware of the following:

  • Respect for elders: Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders, and visitors should be mindful of this when interacting with locals.
  • Shoes off inside: In many places in Japan, including many homes and some restaurants, shoes must be removed before entering.
  • Etiquette at hot springs: In Japan, it is customary to wash yourself thoroughly before entering a hot spring, and bathing suits are not allowed.

Best Time to Visit Isesaki

Isesaki can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time to visit depends on your interests.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Isesaki, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and the weather is mild.
  • Summer (June to August): Summer is a great time to visit Isesaki, when many festivals and outdoor activities are taking place.
  • Fall (September to November): Fall is another beautiful time to visit Isesaki, when the leaves are changing colors and the weather is mild.
  • Winter (December to February): Winter can be cold in Isesaki, but it is a great time to visit if you want to experience traditional winter activities such as hot springs and skiing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Isesaki

To ensure a pleasant stay in Isesaki, it’s important to be aware of some do’s and don’ts.

Do:

  • Be polite and respectful: Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on politeness and respect, and visitors should follow suit.
  • Try local dishes: Isesaki is known for its delicious local cuisine, so be sure to try as much as you can.
  • Be mindful of public transit etiquette: In Japan, it is considered rude to talk loudly or use your phone on public transportation.

Don’t:

  • Tip: In Japan, tipping is not customary, so there is no need to leave a tip at restaurants or hotels.
  • Smoke in public: Smoking in public spaces, including streets and sidewalks, is not allowed in many parts of Isesaki.
  • Be too loud or disruptive: Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on quiet and calm, so being too loud or disruptive in public places may be considered rude.

Safety and Health

Isesaki is generally a safe and healthy place to visit, but travelers should be aware of some basic precautions.

Safety in Isesaki

  • Be aware of natural hazards: Isesaki is located in a region that is prone to earthquakes, landslides, and other natural hazards.
  • Watch out for traffic: In Japan, traffic drives on the left side of the road, so visitors should be extra careful when crossing streets or driving.

Health in Isesaki

  • Watch out for the sun: Isesaki can get very hot in the summertime, so visitors should be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
  • Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is important, especially during hot and humid weather.

Getting to Isesaki: Transportation Options and Logistics

Isesaki is easily accessible from nearby cities by various transportation options.

Airports Near Isesaki

  • Tokyo Haneda Airport: This is the closest airport to Isesaki, and offers frequent flights to major cities in Japan and around the world.
  • Tokyo Narita Airport: This airport is located further away than Haneda, but offers a wider range of international flights.

Bus Stations Near Isesaki

  • Isesaki Station: This is the main train station in Isesaki, and offers direct connections to many major cities in Japan.
  • Takasaki Station: This nearby train station is a major transportation hub in Gunma, and offers connections to many other parts of the region.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Car rental is a popular option for visitors who want to explore the area at their own pace.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Isesaki and can be used to get around the city and surrounding area.

How to Get Around in Isesaki

Isesaki is a relatively small city, and many of the major attractions can be easily accessed on foot or by bicycle.

Public Transportation

  • Train: The JR Ryomo Line and Tobu Isesaki Line both stop at Isesaki Station, and offer direct connections to many major cities in Japan.
  • Bus: Local buses and tourist buses are available and offer convenient access to many attractions in Isesaki.

Car Rental

  • Car rental: Car rental is a popular option for visitors who want to explore the area at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Isesaki: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Isesaki is located in a beautiful part of Japan, with many nearby destinations worth visiting.

  • Takasaki: This nearby city is a popular destination for its hot springs, temples, and festivals.
  • Karuizawa: This upmarket resort town is a popular destination for its beautiful nature, shopping, and dining.
  • Mt. Haruna: This mountain is a popular destination for its beautiful scenery and hiking trails.

Conclusion

Isesaki is a hidden gem in Gunma, with many attractions for both culture and nature lovers. Whether you’re interested in traditional crafts, outdoor adventures, or local cuisine, Isesaki has something for everyone. We hope this travel guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Isesaki, and that you have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful city.